Talortai

Last Updated: 11/8/2023

Name: Talortai

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Avian

Homeworld: Talor

Coloration: Gray and White

Biology: The Talortai were a humanoid Avian race standing slightly taller than most Human or near-Human species, usually averaging out at around 2 meters in height. They had muscular bodies covered in thick gray scales, and tufts of light gray or white feathers on certain parts of their bodies. Talortai had tall, rounded feet, each possessing two massive talons. They also had three-fingered hands with sharp claws. Thin, silky feathers extended from their wrists, shoulders, and parts of their heads. Talortai heads sported massive, beak-like mouths which were actually considered to be “false beaks.” They had razor sharp teeth, piercing, beady eyes, and small openings for their aural and nasal cavities found on the sides of their heads and top sides of their “beaks” respectively.

Talortai had immense strength, and were naturally very lean and muscular, able to deal fatal blows with a swipe from their hands or a kick from their feet. They also had keen senses, with sharp eyesight and a good sense of smell. Talortai were known for their high midichlorian-count and natural attunement to the Force, with every instance of the species being Force Sensitive, and able to clearly discern the Dark Side of the Force from the Light Side. Talortais had intense regenerative capabilities, able to quickly heal from normally fatal wounds. They also had an indeterminate lifespan, seeming to simply stop aging once reaching adulthood, with no known instances dying of old age. Talortai had a serious aversion to cold temperatures. And they had a native tongue, but could also speak Galactic Basic clearly.

Lore: The Talortais were considered to be a largely mysterious species, with their supposedly tropical homeworld of Talor being essentially off-limits to outsiders and completely undiscovered for much of their existence. They are intentionally secretive when questioned about their past, society, or any other personal details, and only rarely pop up in the greater galaxy, usually without any other Talortai with them. They had a deep but unique understanding of the Living Force, with spiritual beliefs rooted within it. However, Talortai were usually visibly uncomfortable when speaking about the Force, and they seemed to disapprove of factions such as the Sith and Jedi Orders.

Talortais were known for being fierce warriors. Dangerous with or without weapons and practically unkillable. Each carried their own strong moral beliefs and convictions, which caused them to side with extreme groups such as the Zann Consortium or even the Nihil. Talortai often spoke of Talor’s mighty military, which seemingly most individuals served in, but again, no actual evidence of such a force within the outside galaxy has ever been noted. Using their natural Force abilities, especially within the confines of combat, was considered both cheap and taboo among the Talortai. Instead, they relied on specially-made cultural weapons known as “Wingblades,” which were usually dual wielded and kept on or near the user at all times. In addition, Talortai usually wore a type of traditional, robe-like clothing, seemingly refraining from wearing anything non-Talortai made.

Legends/Canon: The Talortai were originally created for EU media within Star Wars Legends, however, they have recently made their way into Canon thanks to media from The High Republic.

Unexplored: Interestingly, for an EU species, the Talortai have already been explored more in Star Wars Canon than they ever were in Legends. Aspects of their lore such as the name of their homeworld and its tropical climate, their private military, their aversion to the cold, and their inclusion within the Nihil have all come around exclusively within Canon. Other aspects still left explored include the answers to a whole lot of “whys?” Why were the Talortais so secretive? Why did they hide away on their homeworld? Why had their military never been acknowledged by the outside galaxy? Who did individual Talortai sporadically appear throughout the galaxy? And why did they have such a unique connection to and views surrounding the Force?

What sort of origins and history did the Talortai have, and what sort of species did they evolve from? What stopped them from joining the ranks of groups such as the Jedi, Sith, etc.? How did these groups feel about the Talortai and the fierce beliefs as well as unique favor from the Force? In fact, how did the outside galaxy view them? Were they involved in major galactic events such as the Clone Wars or Galactic Civil War? And how were they treated by groups such as the Galactic Empire, First Order, or even the Zygerrian Slavers who may have valued the Talortai for their strength, regeneration, and other abilities? Along with exploring their government, economy, religions, practices, habits, philosophies, etc., receiving Canon illustrations or even just descriptors would be incredibly beneficial!

Additional Notes: I LOVE the Talortai’s design! They are one of my favorite species in all of Star Wars, and I was so happy when they received the spotlight via Udi Dis within The High Republic! I need them to appear in more, especially visual media as I don’t want such an awesome design to go to waste. I hope they don’t change their design too much within Canon, and I wouldn’t mind seeing a live action rendition either. Between their unique lore and edgy appearance, I cannot express enough how much I appreciate the Talortai, and I will express this appreciation until the day I die!

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